Suggestions for a Quick Spring Break Beach Getaway?

At the last minute, we have decided to try and get away for Spring Break (my bride teaches school).... I am trying to find a beach that we can snorkel without breaking the bank (points or the real thing) I have an ample supply of Marriott points, but the flight prices are killing me....grrrr. I've looked at Grand Cayman and Cancun, and it's the airfare that is outrageous.... Other suggestions? Please help me fellow Insiders....

Aruba Restaurants - again, the great value of Insiders. We dined at Yemanja downtown (bus roundtrip) and Papiamento to the east ($7 cab) and both were fantastic; service, food, ambiance, thank you Insiders. We ate the rest of our meals throughout the beach area, several were casual spots on the beach and others a couple blocks inland from the hotels, all walking distance. Essentially you can't go wrong with pan fried, grilled, or almondine, fresh fish like grouper and snapper, each meal was enjoyable and most were eaten outdoors. Be sure to glance thru the coupon books, worthwhile savings are provided on meals and activities; not necessarily on our top notch Insiders' hangouts, but enjoyable casual places like nearby Moomba, Hadicurari on the beach and Salt and Pepper across the Hyatt (very nice property grounds) 10% off total.

Papiamento Restaurant - Poolside Dining under the Trees and Stars

Friends have asked which I would choose, the Marriott or the downtown Renaissance. I'll let the Ren fans sing the praises and have no bone to pick with them, but to me, my money is clearly on the BEACH Marriott. The marina Ren is smack dab in the cruise port traffic (cars and tourists), which is being torn up for trolley construction, not their fault, of course, but certainly a negative; a nine month project now in it's third year. The Ocean suites Ren across the street, sits on a lagoon (you hear the planes from the airport) and you must be transported to their island. I also wasn't a big fan of the small open air lobby, I want a relaxing chill after a day at the beach, but again, that's just me - so to each their own.

as noted - an old post, so downtown should be all done by now (right b.e.?) and you'll have a great stay

What about Westin Puntacana Resort, they've got some rooms available using points, but your air options are pricey at $880ish/person. There are currently award seats in Business for 70K each way per person each way and you'd need to come home on Saturday.

Have you checked Ft. Myers and Naples? I didn't find any rooms for points on Marco Island, but it's a short drive from Naples as you know and there are still some decent airfares both in Economy and First Class. I did find some CY, SHS, RI and the Naples Ritz (bank breaker of course ) that do have rooms available for points.

Nothing better to do on a rainy stormy President's Day in The Woodlands other than look for that beach/snorkeling spot.

nationwide (it looks like I picked the wrong week to quit deal searches)

Man, as you stated, you picked a nasty time to fly! I casually checked many of the good beach spots all along the Florida coast; Gulf and Atlantic as well as Gulf Shores and Orange Coast Al and then moved to Cali from LA down to San Diego - zip. Next, I tried MSY (figuring a roof top pool at Canal St. Marriott w/M Lounge ain't a bad week) nada, then PHX and the very nice Scottsdale/Phoenix resorts, no way Jose - all rates both Hobby SW and IAH UA, nasty man, nasty.

If wunderkind computer gizmo expert vaboywnder (who no doubt has shut down the entire UVa computer system since it's a holiday) can't find you anything;

ercvaboywnderiahflyr - I am dialed in on the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino.... The private island they have for snorkeling sealed the deal. Looks like we can also squeeze in some time at the adults-only pool, the casino, and the golf course. Anyone been there recently? Thoughts?

On the airfare front, I just decided to go for broke and cashed in some Amex points for first class airfare on Delta to and from Aruba. Expensive, but I am hoping it's worth it

Aruba Restaurants - again, the great value of Insiders. We dined at Yemanja downtown (bus roundtrip) and Papiamento to the east ($7 cab) and both were fantastic; service, food, ambiance, thank you Insiders. We ate the rest of our meals throughout the beach area, several were casual spots on the beach and others a couple blocks inland from the hotels, all walking distance. Essentially you can't go wrong with pan fried, grilled, or almondine, fresh fish like grouper and snapper, each meal was enjoyable and most were eaten outdoors. Be sure to glance thru the coupon books, worthwhile savings are provided on meals and activities; not necessarily on our top notch Insiders' hangouts, but enjoyable casual places like nearby Moomba, Hadicurari on the beach and Salt and Pepper across the Hyatt (very nice property grounds) 10% off total.

Papiamento Restaurant - Poolside Dining under the Trees and Stars

Friends have asked which I would choose, the Marriott or the downtown Renaissance. I'll let the Ren fans sing the praises and have no bone to pick with them, but to me, my money is clearly on the BEACH Marriott. The marina Ren is smack dab in the cruise port traffic (cars and tourists), which is being torn up for trolley construction, not their fault, of course, but certainly a negative; a nine month project now in it's third year. The Ocean suites Ren across the street, sits on a lagoon (you hear the planes from the airport) and you must be transported to their island. I also wasn't a big fan of the small open air lobby, I want a relaxing chill after a day at the beach, but again, that's just me - so to each their own.

as noted - an old post, so downtown should be all done by now (right b.e.?) and you'll have a great stay

Sorry for the delayed response. It's a non holiday for me and I've had a lot on my plate today. I'm glad you came up with something that works. The Aruba trip definitely sounds like a good option.

Before you had decided on Aruba I was going to suggest a Marriott/Southwest Travel Package (1 week certificate plus airline points) Southwest offers non stop flights to Cancun from both Houston & Austin and is still offering Companion Passes for eligible Marriott hotel point transfers through March 31st. The Companion pass would then be valid for unlimited use through Dec 2018. As I dug further I discovered the non-stop Southwest flights to Cancun were all sold out for your travel time. Sounds like Cancun is a popular choice for Spring Break.

Hey nationwide. I haven't stay at the Renaissance before, so I can't help you there. We always stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and really enjoy it. (except for setting the alarm to make sure my wife gets beach chairs before they fill up!!) I'm sure the Renaissance will be great also. I have to agree with Summer Fun - 13 about the "Papiamento Restaurant" . It is truly an amazing place to dine. I would also checkout "Passions On The Beach", and for really great Italian, " Azzurro Ristorante Italiano"!!! We dine at Azzurro ever time we go and have never had a bad meal. See below:

Hey nationwide. Don't forget that there is a Ruth's Chris steakhouse at the Aruba Marriott and Stellaris Casino Resort. This is just in case you haven't filled up entirely on all that Argentinian beef!

I saw this post is from 2017, nonetheless, this can be useful for other Marriotts travellers.

Someone mentionned the Westin Puntacana, as a possible destination. I stayed there. Truly amazing, but it comes at a price.

I travelled there from Europe, so the flight times were rather long, but from US, it looks much closer.

Instead, why not trying the Four Points By Sheraton Puntacana Village?

I stayed there for the rest of the trip, after the westin (I think I did 3 nights in westin and 6 nights there).

It's a fantastic value for money.

It was close to a village with affordable restaurants and shopping market

It's near the airport, but close to some pretty forest or area with vegetations

I remember the lovely smell of Cinammon each time I entered there.

It has a pool.

The room were very clean and good.

Staff was very friendly, I remember discussions and the warm welcome I always received there!

It even has a free shuttle which takes you to the beach and the Westin wonderful beach! And a free Shuttle Service to from Punta Cana International Airport PUJ!

I used it as a base and could quickly commute to do some tours with local guides (did even a Santo Domingo day trip by bus with a tour company).

It's usually used by Airport staff for quick stays but it was really great.

I don't know today's prices or how it evolved, but at the time it was certainly 3 times cheaper than the Westin, and while not close to the beach it was easily reachable and still allowing less rich guests to fully appreciate that wonderful destination!

I loved the Westin, it looks like luxury paradise. But there's no doubt that if I ever come back there, I'll stay in the Four Points.